Located on the southern coast of France, Marseille stands as the country’s largest port on the Mediterranean. When written in kanji, it becomes “馬耳塞 (Bajisai)”, a seemingly unusual yet fascinating transcription. Behind these characters lies a story of linguistic creativity and cultural exchange that transcends geography and time.
The Origin of the Kanji “馬耳塞”
The kanji “馬耳塞” is a phonetic transliteration of the French name “Marseille,” based on the Chinese “马赛 (Masai)”. It was never intended to carry literal meaning—the characters were chosen for their sound rather than their semantic value.
From the Meiji to early Showa periods, Japan often adopted Chinese phonetic renderings of foreign names, reflecting the intellectual and cultural exchanges of East Asia at the time.
| Foreign Name | Chinese Transliteration | Japanese Kanji | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | 巴黎 | 巴里 | Common in newspapers and literature |
| London | 伦敦 | 倫敦 | Used in diplomatic documents |
| Marseille | 马赛 / 马耳塞 | 馬耳塞 | Based on Chinese phonetic usage |
Today, “馬耳塞” is rarely used officially but remains a valuable historical expression, representing Japan’s effort to incorporate global culture through language. It reflects the aesthetic beauty of sound expressed through kanji, a hallmark of the Japanese writing tradition.
Marseille — France’s Largest Port City
Marseille was founded around 600 BC by ancient Greek settlers and has since evolved into France’s second-largest city and its foremost Mediterranean port. The city’s identity has been shaped by centuries of trade, migration, and cultural fusion.
Home to Arab, African, and European communities, Marseille embodies diversity and coexistence. The mixture of ancient ruins, contemporary architecture, and colorful markets gives the city a unique vibrancy unlike any other in France.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Population | Approx. 870,000 (1.6 million including metropolitan area) |
| Major Industries | Shipping, tourism, shipbuilding, creative industries |
| Climate | Mild Mediterranean |
| Character | Multicultural harmony, fusion of art and the sea |
The Old Port (Vieux-Port) remains the city’s heart. Fishermen sell their daily catch as the morning sun rises, while cafés and restaurants line the waterfront. Overlooking it all is the Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean. This combination of sea, culture, and community is the essence of Marseille.
How Japanese People View Marseille
For Japanese travelers, Marseille represents the “real France”—a place filled with life, energy, and authenticity. Unlike Paris, which conveys sophistication, Marseille is seen as raw, human, and approachable.
| Impression | Description |
|---|---|
| Down-to-earth and powerful | Reflects its working-class roots |
| Warm and welcoming | Culturally mixed and friendly community |
| Artistic and free | Street art and music thrive |
| Rough yet charming | A glimpse into France’s everyday life |
Many Japanese visitors describe Marseille as a city “where warmth and freedom coexist.” The local people’s openness and humor resonate deeply with travelers seeking a more personal experience than Paris’s polished elegance.
Mediterranean Cuisine and the Flavors of Marseille
Marseille’s identity is inseparable from its food culture. The city is home to the world-famous fish stew Bouillabaisse, made by simmering fresh Mediterranean fish in olive oil and saffron. Originally a fisherman’s meal, it has become a symbol of Marseille’s culinary pride.
| Dish | Description | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Bouillabaisse | Rich fish stew with saffron | Fishermen’s traditional meal |
| Panisse | Fried chickpea flour dish | Common along the Mediterranean coast |
| Tapenade | Olive and anchovy paste | Classic Provençal appetizer |
Markets overflow with olives, herbs, and spices, filling the air with Mediterranean aromas. Through food, visitors can taste the cultural fusion that defines the city—simple ingredients transformed into expressions of history and community.
Marseille as a City of Sports
Another defining aspect of Marseille is its passionate sports culture. The local football club, Olympique de Marseille (OM), is not merely a team—it’s a symbol of identity and pride for the entire city.
| Sport | Team / Event | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Football | Olympique de Marseille | Won the 1993 UEFA Champions League |
| Rugby | RC Toulon (nearby) | Mediterranean powerhouse |
| Sailing | Olympic venue (2024) | Showcases the city’s maritime spirit |
On match days, Marseille transforms into a sea of blue and white, the club’s colors. The chants of supporters echo across the port, uniting people of all backgrounds. OM represents community solidarity and local pride at its finest.
Beyond football, Marseille thrives in rugby, sailing, and water sports. During the 2024 Paris Olympics, the city hosted sailing events, reaffirming its image as a place where the sea and sport coexist naturally.
A City Alive with Art and Cinema
Marseille is also a city of art and storytelling. Its streets are filled with striking murals and vibrant graffiti, turning entire neighborhoods into open-air galleries.
The city has served as the backdrop for numerous films, from romantic classics like “Love in Marseille” to action comedies such as Luc Besson’s “Taxi” series.
| Field | Example / Feature |
|---|---|
| Film | Taxi series (Luc Besson) |
| Literature | Works by Marcel Pagnol depicting Marseille life |
| Art | Street murals, MUCEM contemporary art museum |
Through cinema, literature, and visual art, Marseille expresses its spirit—creative, bold, and full of life.
Conclusion
The kanji “馬耳塞” is more than a phonetic adaptation—it symbolizes Japan’s intellectual attempt to translate and understand foreign culture through its own writing system. It stands as a linguistic bridge between East and West, sound and symbol.
Today’s Marseille is a city defined by sunlight, diversity, sports, and art. It thrives on energy born from contrast—elegance and grit, history and modernity, the sea and the streets.
For Japanese people, Marseille embodies a different kind of beauty: a city where warmth, humanity, and creativity converge.
Through the characters “馬耳塞,” one can sense not only a place name but a deeper connection—the timeless human desire to understand and embrace the world through language and culture.
